Post by snabbit888 on Jan 29, 2013 18:04:56 GMT -5
TOP 20 WRESTLERS
1) Roddy Piper (2)
No one thoroughly dominated the NWF in 1984 quite like "Rowdy" Roddy Piper. After winning the World Title on the last show of 1983, Piper went on to hold that title until the last show of 1984. In doing so he had to turn back the challenges of former champ Harley Race, Terry Funk, the Fabulous Freebirds, Greg Valentine, and a newly turned face Butch Reed. The feud with Terry Funk would last most of the year, but Piper kept finding new ways to hold onto his title. He not only was dominant in the ring, albeit through nefarious means, but also introduced his Piper's Pit interview segment which showed off Piper's mic work as he instigated most of his guests into physical altercations. There was no better man to bring the wrestling world into the television era than Roddy Piper.
2) Hulk Hogan (4)
Another man that was vital to bringing wrestling onto television was Hulk Hogan. Hogan entered 1984 under some distress as his contract was still owned by "Luscious" Johnny V. He would eventually win his freedom from Johnny V. Without that anchor attached to him, Hogan's popularity skyrocketed even further. Hogan would end the year by defeating Roddy Piper for the NWF World Title at the year-end show. Hogan's future is very bright as it can be argued he is the most popular wrestler in the United States. He now has his sights set on the number one spot in 1985.
3) Bob Backlund (17)
After many experts said his career as a top tier main eventer was over, Bob Backlund had a huge 1984, going undefeated for the year, getting the better of Larry Zbyszko in a feud when Zbyszko was desperate to beat him, and capping the year with an unholy alliance longtime enemy Jimmy Snuka and the winning of his third World Title. As we go into 1985, the revitalized Backlund is showing that he isn't going anywhere yet.
4) Stan Hansen (5)
Stan Hansen came into 1984 as the GCW World champion, and he held onto the biggest prize in the game until November 3 when he was beaten by Bob Backlund after Backlund had severely injured his left shoulder. Hansen defended the title against a variety of challengers throughout the year, including Dusty Rhodes, King Kong Bundy, Tully Blanchard, Dick Murdoch, and Bobby Duncum. Perhaps the most shocking part of Hansen's year was his partnership with his one time mortal enemy Rhodes. The duo teamed together to battle the Texas Outlaws and the North-South Connection. He ended 1984 on the shelf with a shoulder injury.
5) Dusty Rhodes (1)
The fact that some people call 1984 an "off year" for Dusty Rhodes shows just how big of a star he truly is. Though he was unable to win the World Title in 1984, he was involved in many main events, teaming with Stan Hansen against Dick Murdoch, Bobby Duncum, and Adrian Adonis. With GCW making its way to television in 1985, the American Dream is looking to remain near the top of the wrestling world.
6) Terry Funk (8)
Terry Funk spent most of 1984 vying for a shot at the World Title that has eluded him for so long. He'd finally get several opportunities to become champion, but he once again could not cash in. His technical skills that he sometimes mixes with his amazing brawling ability will always keep him in discussion for a possible World Title reign.
7) Ricky Steamboat (7)
Another productive year for Ricky Steamboat. The Dragon won his record-tying third Intercontinental Title, holding it for the latter half of 1984 before dropping the strap to Jimmy Snuka at the year-end show. Steamboat is quickly becoming known as one of the best wrestlers in the world, putting on fantastic matches night after night. Many experts are predicting that 1985 will be the Dragon's year to take the next step.
8) Jerry Lawler (11)
Jerry Lawler's year had some major ups and downs. He became friends with David Von Erich, a man he was feuding with, just weeks before David's death. Lawler went on to win the US Title and defend it in David's name while bringing in Kerry Von Erich to help watch his back. He dropped the title on the last show of 1984, but his new alliance with Kerry Von Erich could keep him relevant for some time.
9) Jimmy Snuka (10)
Much like Bob Backlund, Jimmy Snuka experienced a career resurgence, winning his first Intercontinental championship on the year-end show in an epic steel cage against Ricky Steamboat. Snuka also shocked the world by forming an unholy alliance with Backlund. Considering their lengthy feud is considered by many to be one of the greatest in wrestling history, that was a big surprise. The Superfly is looking to have a big 1985.
10) Larry Zbyszko (-)
Perhaps no one had a more interesting 1984 than Larry Zbyszko. The Cruncher was involved in a high profile feud with Bob Backlund based upon Zbyszko's inability to get that win over him. If you don't count Backlund, Zbyszko was nearly unbeatable as he racked up wins over many of GCW's top wrestlers. A contract dispute with GCW now sees the Cruncher starting 1985 as a free agent.
11) Butch Reed (-)
If you'd have said in 1983 both members of the Terrible Tandem would show up in the Top 20 of PWI in 1984 most people would call you crazy. Butch Reed made the most of a face turn and even became a World Title challenger by the end of the year.
12) Randy Savage (12)
After breaking his alliance with Tommy Rich in the latter part of 1983, Savage broke through in singles competition. Introducing Miss Elizabeth as his manager has led to much success for Savage with bigger and better things on the way in 1985.
13) Paul Orndorff (19)
Paul Orndorff hired his best friend, Billy Graham, on as his manager, and it brought out a ferocious side of him we haven't seen in some time. His year peaked when he defeated Magnum T.A. in a Loser-Leaves-Town Match.
14) Greg Valentine (6)
The former World Champion has found it difficult to climb back up to the top of the mountain. He can still square off with the best of them, proven by emerging victorious in his feud with Terry Funk, but he needs to find a way to get back to the top of the card.
15) Bruiser Brody (-)
After floundering somewhat near the end of his NWF run, Bruiser Brody came back on the scene in GCW. Brody feuded with Bobby Heenan and the Heenan Family. Heenan put a large bounty on his head, leading Brody to have some vicious brawls with the likes of King Kong Bundy and Eddie Gilbert.
16) Magnum T.A. (16)
The problem with having such a hot rookie year, like Magnum did in 1982, is that everything else seems almost like a disappointment. Magnum was unable to make any progress this year, but a change of scenery might do him some good as he starts the new year in GCW.
17) Greg Gagne (20)
Greg Gagne's win-loss record may have been unimpressive in 1984, but he was also involved in feuds with two of the biggest names in the sport: Hulk Hogan and Jerry Lawler. Gagne would negate most of his losses this year by winning the US Title for a second time, defeating Lawler at the year-end show.
18) Nick Bockwinkel (15)
Nick Bockwinkel is quickly approaching 50 years old, but you would never know it based on his performances in the ring. Bockwinkel showed he still had it in the beginning of the year, holding the Intercontinental Title until April before dropping it to Rick Martel. Martel suffered a broken neck in that match which tarnished much of the latter part of his year. Looks to still have plenty left in the tank moving forward.
19) King Kong Bundy (-)
King Kong Bundy returns to the PWI Top 20 after missing last year's list. Bundy spent most of 1984 acting as the muscle for the Heenan Family, and engaging in some memorable fights with Bruiser Brody. Still waiting for that big breakthrough from the monster.
20) Terry Gordy (-)
Terry Gordy was mostly focused on his tag team with Michael Hayes and Buddy Roberts, but we saw glimpses of greatness when he wrestled in singles competition. If he ever decides to drop out of the tag team division, big things might be in store for Bamm Bamm.
TOP 10 TAG TEAMS
1) The Fabulous Freebirds (3)
The Fabulous Freebirds made the most of their year, winning the World Tag Team Titles for the first time. They even invented a new rule in wrestling which most people are calling "The Freebird Rule" where any of the three men in the Freebirds could defend the titles at any specific time. They dropped the titles by the end of the year to the team they won them from, the Road Warriors, but if they decided to continue in the tag team division, they will surely see the gold once again.
2) The Road Warriors (1)
The Road Warriors held the Tag Team Titles twice in 1984. They continue to dominate their opponents with brute strength and pure intimidation. They begin 1985 with the Tag Team Titles around their waists, Paul Ellering at their side, and a clear path in front of them.
3) Dino Bravo/Nikolai Volkoff (-)
GCW is known for having one of the best, young tag divisions in the history of the business, but the team that really shined in 1984 was Dino Bravo & Nikolai Volkoff. Under the leadership of "Classy" Freddie Blassie, Bravo & Volkoff held the GCW World Tag team Titles for nearly 6 months before losing to the Rock 'N Roll Express in the later part of the year. Though the team is no longer together, they are considered one of the biggest surprises of the year.
4) The Rock N' Roll Express (-)
Perhaps the most exciting team in all of wrestling. Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson are flashy, quick, and explosive, and they proved to be a winning team by ending 1984 with the World Tag Team Titles. They look to continue being the most dynamic team in wrestling.
5) The Midnight Express (-)
One of the more interesting teams of the year considering the members switched half way through. The team started off 1984 as "Loverboy" Dennis Condrey & "Beautiful" Bobby Eaton with manager Jim Cornette. Eaton left GCW in August and was replaced by "Ravishing" Randy Rose. The team didn't miss a beat and looks poised to take the next step in the new year.
6) The U.S. Express (-)
Another team that is no longer together to start 1985, but doesn't take away from what they did in 1984. With all the new teams with more hype getting the headlines, all Mike Rotundo & Barry Windham did was capture the World Tag Team Titles in February from the Texas Outlaws. They held the titles for 3 months.
7) The Texas Outlaws (2)
The Texas Outlaws started the year as GCW World Tag Team champions, holding them until February. Though they didn't recapture the gold, they were in the top program in GCW for much of the year, feuding with Stan Hansen & Dusty Rhodes. An unfortunate knee injury to Bobby Duncum forced him to retire and brought an abrupt end to this fantastic team.
8) The British Bulldogs (-)
The British Bulldogs put on some of the most exciting matches on 1984, giving them this position on the list. They're still looking for that special something to take the next step though.
9) The Russians (-)
Ivan Koloff and Krusher Kruschev made their debut in early 1984. Koloff has trained Kruschev well as the two men have been involved in some bloody battles during their stint in the NWF.
10) The Sons of the Orient (-)
Big things are expected out of Tatsumi Fujinami and Riki Chosyu. The team started as Chosyu and Mr. Saito, but after Saito left the NWF, Fujinami filled into the opening quite well. If they perform even close to the level that they do in Japan, they should climb higher up in the rankings next year.
TOP 5 MANAGERS
1) Jim Cornette (-)
You can't underestimate what a year Jim Cornette had. He is more or less a rookie to the sport, but he has quickly become one of the most irritating yet influential managers in the sport. Along with his personal bodyguard Bad News Brown, Cornette looks set to lead the Midnight Express to the top of the tag team mountain.
2) Bobby Heenan (2)
The Brain truly made the Heenan Family a force to be reckoned with in 1984, adding Eddie Gilbert and Arn Anderson to the ranks. With strength in numbers, it's going to be tough to slow down the most powerful stable in GCW.
3) Johnny V (3)
"Luscious" Johnny V couldn't have been happy that he lost his main meal ticket in Hulk Hogan to begin the year. He still led Greg Gagne back to the US Title and signed a top free agent in Brutus Beefcake.
4) Freddie Blassie (-)
The Classy One decided that he would only represent talent that wasn't from the United States, and he has amassed an impressive roster of wrestlers. Blassie is also never afraid to speak his mind, for better or worse.
5) Jimmy Hart (-)
Jimmy Hart has put all of his attention on the Cobra Corps and leading them to the World Tag Team Titles. It's a different direction than when he led the First Family of Wrestling and so far it has been unsuccessful.
TOP 3 MATCHES
1) Roddy Piper vs. Terry Funk, Streetfight, 8/1/84 - St. Louis, MO
The match of the year honors go to Roddy Piper and Terry Funk. It was an intense brawl that ended the feud that lasted most of 1984. Piper would sneak away with a win after interference by his lackeys, Crusher Blackwell and Bob Orton Jr. Terry Funk's quest for a World Title would continue.
2) Bob Backlund/Jimmy Snuka vs. Dusty Rhodes/Ricky Steamboat, 11/29/84 - Boston, MA
The top match of GCW was this classic tag team encounter. This was the first time Bob Backlund & Jimmy Snuka had teamed in years, cementing their new alliance. Snuka distracted the referee, allowing Backlund to smash Ricky Steamboat in the face with the World Title. The Superfly hit a flying headbutt and took the win.
3) Harley Race/Greg Valentine/Magnum T.A. vs. Roddy Piper/Bob Orton Jr./Crusher Blackwell, 1/31/84 - Dallas, TX
A match that saw Roddy Piper have to do battle against three of his biggest rivals takes the number three spot on the list. Magnum would score one of the biggest pinfalls in his career when he pinned Piper in this six-man tag.
1) Roddy Piper (2)
No one thoroughly dominated the NWF in 1984 quite like "Rowdy" Roddy Piper. After winning the World Title on the last show of 1983, Piper went on to hold that title until the last show of 1984. In doing so he had to turn back the challenges of former champ Harley Race, Terry Funk, the Fabulous Freebirds, Greg Valentine, and a newly turned face Butch Reed. The feud with Terry Funk would last most of the year, but Piper kept finding new ways to hold onto his title. He not only was dominant in the ring, albeit through nefarious means, but also introduced his Piper's Pit interview segment which showed off Piper's mic work as he instigated most of his guests into physical altercations. There was no better man to bring the wrestling world into the television era than Roddy Piper.
2) Hulk Hogan (4)
Another man that was vital to bringing wrestling onto television was Hulk Hogan. Hogan entered 1984 under some distress as his contract was still owned by "Luscious" Johnny V. He would eventually win his freedom from Johnny V. Without that anchor attached to him, Hogan's popularity skyrocketed even further. Hogan would end the year by defeating Roddy Piper for the NWF World Title at the year-end show. Hogan's future is very bright as it can be argued he is the most popular wrestler in the United States. He now has his sights set on the number one spot in 1985.
3) Bob Backlund (17)
After many experts said his career as a top tier main eventer was over, Bob Backlund had a huge 1984, going undefeated for the year, getting the better of Larry Zbyszko in a feud when Zbyszko was desperate to beat him, and capping the year with an unholy alliance longtime enemy Jimmy Snuka and the winning of his third World Title. As we go into 1985, the revitalized Backlund is showing that he isn't going anywhere yet.
4) Stan Hansen (5)
Stan Hansen came into 1984 as the GCW World champion, and he held onto the biggest prize in the game until November 3 when he was beaten by Bob Backlund after Backlund had severely injured his left shoulder. Hansen defended the title against a variety of challengers throughout the year, including Dusty Rhodes, King Kong Bundy, Tully Blanchard, Dick Murdoch, and Bobby Duncum. Perhaps the most shocking part of Hansen's year was his partnership with his one time mortal enemy Rhodes. The duo teamed together to battle the Texas Outlaws and the North-South Connection. He ended 1984 on the shelf with a shoulder injury.
5) Dusty Rhodes (1)
The fact that some people call 1984 an "off year" for Dusty Rhodes shows just how big of a star he truly is. Though he was unable to win the World Title in 1984, he was involved in many main events, teaming with Stan Hansen against Dick Murdoch, Bobby Duncum, and Adrian Adonis. With GCW making its way to television in 1985, the American Dream is looking to remain near the top of the wrestling world.
6) Terry Funk (8)
Terry Funk spent most of 1984 vying for a shot at the World Title that has eluded him for so long. He'd finally get several opportunities to become champion, but he once again could not cash in. His technical skills that he sometimes mixes with his amazing brawling ability will always keep him in discussion for a possible World Title reign.
7) Ricky Steamboat (7)
Another productive year for Ricky Steamboat. The Dragon won his record-tying third Intercontinental Title, holding it for the latter half of 1984 before dropping the strap to Jimmy Snuka at the year-end show. Steamboat is quickly becoming known as one of the best wrestlers in the world, putting on fantastic matches night after night. Many experts are predicting that 1985 will be the Dragon's year to take the next step.
8) Jerry Lawler (11)
Jerry Lawler's year had some major ups and downs. He became friends with David Von Erich, a man he was feuding with, just weeks before David's death. Lawler went on to win the US Title and defend it in David's name while bringing in Kerry Von Erich to help watch his back. He dropped the title on the last show of 1984, but his new alliance with Kerry Von Erich could keep him relevant for some time.
9) Jimmy Snuka (10)
Much like Bob Backlund, Jimmy Snuka experienced a career resurgence, winning his first Intercontinental championship on the year-end show in an epic steel cage against Ricky Steamboat. Snuka also shocked the world by forming an unholy alliance with Backlund. Considering their lengthy feud is considered by many to be one of the greatest in wrestling history, that was a big surprise. The Superfly is looking to have a big 1985.
10) Larry Zbyszko (-)
Perhaps no one had a more interesting 1984 than Larry Zbyszko. The Cruncher was involved in a high profile feud with Bob Backlund based upon Zbyszko's inability to get that win over him. If you don't count Backlund, Zbyszko was nearly unbeatable as he racked up wins over many of GCW's top wrestlers. A contract dispute with GCW now sees the Cruncher starting 1985 as a free agent.
11) Butch Reed (-)
If you'd have said in 1983 both members of the Terrible Tandem would show up in the Top 20 of PWI in 1984 most people would call you crazy. Butch Reed made the most of a face turn and even became a World Title challenger by the end of the year.
12) Randy Savage (12)
After breaking his alliance with Tommy Rich in the latter part of 1983, Savage broke through in singles competition. Introducing Miss Elizabeth as his manager has led to much success for Savage with bigger and better things on the way in 1985.
13) Paul Orndorff (19)
Paul Orndorff hired his best friend, Billy Graham, on as his manager, and it brought out a ferocious side of him we haven't seen in some time. His year peaked when he defeated Magnum T.A. in a Loser-Leaves-Town Match.
14) Greg Valentine (6)
The former World Champion has found it difficult to climb back up to the top of the mountain. He can still square off with the best of them, proven by emerging victorious in his feud with Terry Funk, but he needs to find a way to get back to the top of the card.
15) Bruiser Brody (-)
After floundering somewhat near the end of his NWF run, Bruiser Brody came back on the scene in GCW. Brody feuded with Bobby Heenan and the Heenan Family. Heenan put a large bounty on his head, leading Brody to have some vicious brawls with the likes of King Kong Bundy and Eddie Gilbert.
16) Magnum T.A. (16)
The problem with having such a hot rookie year, like Magnum did in 1982, is that everything else seems almost like a disappointment. Magnum was unable to make any progress this year, but a change of scenery might do him some good as he starts the new year in GCW.
17) Greg Gagne (20)
Greg Gagne's win-loss record may have been unimpressive in 1984, but he was also involved in feuds with two of the biggest names in the sport: Hulk Hogan and Jerry Lawler. Gagne would negate most of his losses this year by winning the US Title for a second time, defeating Lawler at the year-end show.
18) Nick Bockwinkel (15)
Nick Bockwinkel is quickly approaching 50 years old, but you would never know it based on his performances in the ring. Bockwinkel showed he still had it in the beginning of the year, holding the Intercontinental Title until April before dropping it to Rick Martel. Martel suffered a broken neck in that match which tarnished much of the latter part of his year. Looks to still have plenty left in the tank moving forward.
19) King Kong Bundy (-)
King Kong Bundy returns to the PWI Top 20 after missing last year's list. Bundy spent most of 1984 acting as the muscle for the Heenan Family, and engaging in some memorable fights with Bruiser Brody. Still waiting for that big breakthrough from the monster.
20) Terry Gordy (-)
Terry Gordy was mostly focused on his tag team with Michael Hayes and Buddy Roberts, but we saw glimpses of greatness when he wrestled in singles competition. If he ever decides to drop out of the tag team division, big things might be in store for Bamm Bamm.
TOP 10 TAG TEAMS
1) The Fabulous Freebirds (3)
The Fabulous Freebirds made the most of their year, winning the World Tag Team Titles for the first time. They even invented a new rule in wrestling which most people are calling "The Freebird Rule" where any of the three men in the Freebirds could defend the titles at any specific time. They dropped the titles by the end of the year to the team they won them from, the Road Warriors, but if they decided to continue in the tag team division, they will surely see the gold once again.
2) The Road Warriors (1)
The Road Warriors held the Tag Team Titles twice in 1984. They continue to dominate their opponents with brute strength and pure intimidation. They begin 1985 with the Tag Team Titles around their waists, Paul Ellering at their side, and a clear path in front of them.
3) Dino Bravo/Nikolai Volkoff (-)
GCW is known for having one of the best, young tag divisions in the history of the business, but the team that really shined in 1984 was Dino Bravo & Nikolai Volkoff. Under the leadership of "Classy" Freddie Blassie, Bravo & Volkoff held the GCW World Tag team Titles for nearly 6 months before losing to the Rock 'N Roll Express in the later part of the year. Though the team is no longer together, they are considered one of the biggest surprises of the year.
4) The Rock N' Roll Express (-)
Perhaps the most exciting team in all of wrestling. Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson are flashy, quick, and explosive, and they proved to be a winning team by ending 1984 with the World Tag Team Titles. They look to continue being the most dynamic team in wrestling.
5) The Midnight Express (-)
One of the more interesting teams of the year considering the members switched half way through. The team started off 1984 as "Loverboy" Dennis Condrey & "Beautiful" Bobby Eaton with manager Jim Cornette. Eaton left GCW in August and was replaced by "Ravishing" Randy Rose. The team didn't miss a beat and looks poised to take the next step in the new year.
6) The U.S. Express (-)
Another team that is no longer together to start 1985, but doesn't take away from what they did in 1984. With all the new teams with more hype getting the headlines, all Mike Rotundo & Barry Windham did was capture the World Tag Team Titles in February from the Texas Outlaws. They held the titles for 3 months.
7) The Texas Outlaws (2)
The Texas Outlaws started the year as GCW World Tag Team champions, holding them until February. Though they didn't recapture the gold, they were in the top program in GCW for much of the year, feuding with Stan Hansen & Dusty Rhodes. An unfortunate knee injury to Bobby Duncum forced him to retire and brought an abrupt end to this fantastic team.
8) The British Bulldogs (-)
The British Bulldogs put on some of the most exciting matches on 1984, giving them this position on the list. They're still looking for that special something to take the next step though.
9) The Russians (-)
Ivan Koloff and Krusher Kruschev made their debut in early 1984. Koloff has trained Kruschev well as the two men have been involved in some bloody battles during their stint in the NWF.
10) The Sons of the Orient (-)
Big things are expected out of Tatsumi Fujinami and Riki Chosyu. The team started as Chosyu and Mr. Saito, but after Saito left the NWF, Fujinami filled into the opening quite well. If they perform even close to the level that they do in Japan, they should climb higher up in the rankings next year.
TOP 5 MANAGERS
1) Jim Cornette (-)
You can't underestimate what a year Jim Cornette had. He is more or less a rookie to the sport, but he has quickly become one of the most irritating yet influential managers in the sport. Along with his personal bodyguard Bad News Brown, Cornette looks set to lead the Midnight Express to the top of the tag team mountain.
2) Bobby Heenan (2)
The Brain truly made the Heenan Family a force to be reckoned with in 1984, adding Eddie Gilbert and Arn Anderson to the ranks. With strength in numbers, it's going to be tough to slow down the most powerful stable in GCW.
3) Johnny V (3)
"Luscious" Johnny V couldn't have been happy that he lost his main meal ticket in Hulk Hogan to begin the year. He still led Greg Gagne back to the US Title and signed a top free agent in Brutus Beefcake.
4) Freddie Blassie (-)
The Classy One decided that he would only represent talent that wasn't from the United States, and he has amassed an impressive roster of wrestlers. Blassie is also never afraid to speak his mind, for better or worse.
5) Jimmy Hart (-)
Jimmy Hart has put all of his attention on the Cobra Corps and leading them to the World Tag Team Titles. It's a different direction than when he led the First Family of Wrestling and so far it has been unsuccessful.
TOP 3 MATCHES
1) Roddy Piper vs. Terry Funk, Streetfight, 8/1/84 - St. Louis, MO
The match of the year honors go to Roddy Piper and Terry Funk. It was an intense brawl that ended the feud that lasted most of 1984. Piper would sneak away with a win after interference by his lackeys, Crusher Blackwell and Bob Orton Jr. Terry Funk's quest for a World Title would continue.
2) Bob Backlund/Jimmy Snuka vs. Dusty Rhodes/Ricky Steamboat, 11/29/84 - Boston, MA
The top match of GCW was this classic tag team encounter. This was the first time Bob Backlund & Jimmy Snuka had teamed in years, cementing their new alliance. Snuka distracted the referee, allowing Backlund to smash Ricky Steamboat in the face with the World Title. The Superfly hit a flying headbutt and took the win.
3) Harley Race/Greg Valentine/Magnum T.A. vs. Roddy Piper/Bob Orton Jr./Crusher Blackwell, 1/31/84 - Dallas, TX
A match that saw Roddy Piper have to do battle against three of his biggest rivals takes the number three spot on the list. Magnum would score one of the biggest pinfalls in his career when he pinned Piper in this six-man tag.